Features
Ermine is a tool that allows software to be deployed in a single executable file that contains everything needed to run the program.
The advantages gained are outlined in detail here:
Instant hassle-free deployment
Static linking often exposes subtle problems and requires you to have all needed libraries as static objects. Ermine takes care of everything, and our technical support will help you with any problems and questions you might experience.
No installation
The deployed executable can be used immediately without affecting the file system of the host. It can be started from any media, including optical drives (CD/DVD-ROM), flash drives (USB, flash cards) and network file systems (NFS, SMB/CIFS).
Distribution independent
The deployed executable is largely independent from the idiosyncrasies and libraries of GNU/Linux distributions. It is unaffected by the presence or versions of libraries and any software upgrades.
64-bit compatibility for free
An executable packed on a 32-bit x86 processor will also run on 64-bit x86 processors without the need for 32-bit compatibility libraries.
No root privileges needed at installation time
The deployed program can be installed in any directory you have access to.
Works without access to source code or object files
Static linking requires access to the object files (or source code) of the target application. Ermine only needs a binary to create a stand-alone executable.
User mode only
No kernel module is required to deploy or run applications with Ermine.
Guaranteed application integrity
There is no possibility of a version mismatch between the main executable and its libraries or data files.